IMPORTANCE OF CUBITERMES TERMITARIES AS SHELTER FOR ALIEN INCIPIENT TERMITE SOCIETIES

We hypothetized that in the African rainforest (Cameroon), one of the principal limiting factors for termite multiplication is the relative scarcity of nesting sites. As a consequence, termitaries of Cubitermes fungifaber, C. banksi and C. subarquatus with their alveolate structure might constitute good shelters for incipient societies. In the cavities of these termitaries we recorded 29 termite species (including conspecifics) belonging to 23 genera and 5 subfamilies. Active Cubitermes fungifaber and C. banksi termitaries shelter fewer incipient and adult societies than abandoned ones. Active C. subarquatus termitaries shelter more incipient societies than abandoned ones, while the difference is not significant with regards to termite societies al other stages of development. The frequency of sheltered Cubitermes spp. incipient societies was so large (72.3%) that we suggest that abandoned termitaries and unoccupied zones of active ones had an adaptative value at the generic level as they constitute good shelters (probably the best) for incipient societies and favour reproduction in Cubitermes spp. societies.